Why resistance bands? Resistance bands offer the ability to get a solid and targeted workout in, no matter where you are. They have become increasingly popular during the COVID-19 Pandemic, which has seen gyms closed, and fitness fanatics finding other ways to get their sweat on..  Resistance bands have been found to assist with joint mobility, muscle recovery, and muscle growth. They keep your muscle under constant tension, increasing blood flow, and significantly improving the effectiveness of your rep. Bands are also extremely helpful in targeting specific muscle groups, which in turn ..read more

Get the most out of your next workout. In this article we're going to discuss the cardio machines that burn the most calories in a one hour period. Treadmill Calories burned per hour: 712 (running at a rate of 10km per hour with a healthy BMI) Treadmills are a staple of most gyms and, due to their growing affordability, have even become commonplace in peoples’ homes. As well as burning calories, treadmills are great for strengthening your calves, quads, and glutes. Another upside to treadmills is that they’re accessible – there’s not much of a learning curve (if you can walk, you can run!), t ..read more

Barbell collars hold your weightlifting plates on your bar to ensure that they don't slip or fall off while you are working out – protecting both you, and your equipment. There are many types of barbell collar, each with their advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll take a look at in this article. Spring collars or clamp collars Spring collars (sometimes known as clamp collars) are named after their spring-like structure, which helps them to generate force to attach to the bar. To fix your spring collar to a bar simply apply pressure to the handles on either side of the spring to expand t ..read more

  So you’re buying a secondary bar and not sure about the difference between an EZ curl bar, and a super EZ curl bar (see images below). Firstly – why buy one at all? Well, both EZ Curl Bars are designed to reduce stress on the forearm and wrist and provide a more comfortable grip while focusing on different bicep and tricep areas (but they can also be used on other body areas). In using an EZ curl bar for curls, your hands are slightly pronated (thumbs are higher than your little finger), which changes how the upper arm muscles are used (over just using a straight bar). It also tends to wor ..read more

It can be frustrating and potentially dangerous to feel your hand slipping in the middle of a heavy lift. Gym chalk will improve your grip and help to protect your hands against skin tears. Chalk is especially useful when doing heavy lifts like deadlifts or chin ups. Some gyms are even supplying chalk these days for their members as the popularity of powerlifting exercises grows. It can be a great tool to help you push to that next level. What and When to Chalk Gym chalk is magnesium carbonate and helps to secure a proper grip by soaking up the moisture on your palms and fingers. While some ..read more

A lot of people start working out and go to the gym to get 6-pack abs, and why not? A tight, muscular core looks fantastic and has become a clear signifier of fitness, strength and a healthy lifestyle. One reason why a rock-hard midsection is so sought after is because it’s generally difficult to achieve. Developing a good looking 6-pack takes time, discipline, dedication and a lot of hard work. As with anything, start with clear structured goals and take each step at a time. Crunch Time All is not what it seems. Sit-ups are synonymous with abs, but crunches and sit-ups actually place a ..read more

Ankles are often overlooked as sources or hinderers of strength and power in your squat. However poor ankle mobility caused by injuries or poor movement habits and posture can cause errors in lifting form and increase your risk of injury and muscle strain. The ankle is a biomechanically complex joint. It is a synovial (which most of the body’s joints are and allow for movement but are susceptible to arthritis and related inflammatory conditions), hinge joint formed by the bones of the leg and foot, that permits dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The ankles and feet are also your base, your found ..read more

For an impressive physique, you need a broad, thick chest. The best chest exercises are the ones that strengthen and grow your chest, while also widening it. Usually, when people talk about chest exercises and the best way of developing a powerful chest - they go straight for the classic bench press. However, there is research that supports the simple Dip as being the best exercise for developing a strong, powerful chest. Dips also fall into the category of compound exercises, recruiting a range of muscles to get the job done – they work not only the chest, but also the back, shoulders, and ar ..read more

The majority of people these days complain about being time poor. Gym attendance and memberships are usually the first things to go when people try to make room in their schedules to fit in all the other necessities of daily life. But maintaining and improving on your fitness is extremely important. Circuit training is a great way to maximise your time at the gym and get bang for your buck.   Make the Most of Your Time Unless you are a fitness professional, it is likely that you don’t have hours a day to be spending at the gym. A good circuit training session can give you a great workout ..read more

Does what you wear to the gym affect your performance or is it all just a waste of money? Good question, and one that hasn’t really been answered properly yet. But here are 5 pros and cons of getting the latest workout gear.   Mindset A lot of what goes into getting in good, consistent workouts depends on playing mind games with yourself. Almost anyone can do a few good sessions after making over-enthusiastic New Year’s resolutions. But staying consistent week in, week out, is a completely different story. Having specific clothing that you only wear when working out can help get you in th ..read more